Chapter 16: The Perfect Bait

Antony met Ariana in an exclusive dining area of a high-end restaurant where they sit facing each other. The air between them showed no signs of distress despite the tension that quietly brewed below the sweet aroma of roasted coffee and expensive cologne.

Antony took a relaxed position as he stirred his wine glass then spoke in a steady and unemotional voice. "I've been thinking," he said. "We have spent little time together in a long period."

The single lifted eyebrow was the only response Ariana made.

He continued, watching her closely. "A business trip awaits me at the Celestine Resort where I need to attend an exclusive retreat. Business investors are scheduled to attend this event so I require your presence at my side."

Ariana drank her tea while revealing no signs of what she was thinking. The invitation from him did not seem transparent enough for her to believe it was an ordinary business matter.

It was a test.

The gossip Rachel started worked exactly as she intended. Antony lost trust in her and arranged this business trip to confirm her intentions. Any hesitancy from her would serve as proof for his growing doubts about her. She would become suspicious if she refused the invitation.

Ariana looked directly at him while a gentle smile formed on her face. "Of course. Since we are engaged I should naturally provide my support to you."

The tightening grip Antony had on his glass showed he anticipated some form of opposition from Rachel. Ariana placed her chin delicately on the palm of her hand as she continued to look at him. "I assumed that Rachel will be joining us?"

Ariana could see his jaw move in the slightest manner which other people might have missed.

"She will stay occupied with managing matters here"

Liar. Rachel would not permit Antony to travel with Ariana because she would never allow such an arrangement to happen. She seemed to have initiated the setup intentionally or she had alternate arrangements.

The situation would find Ariana prepared regardless of the scenario.

The Celestine Resort was breathtaking. The luxurious estate faces private beach access while offering five-star accommodation and elite customer base.

When Ariana exited her car the ocean breeze brushed against her hair. She wore an elegant white outfit which presented her as a refined heiress who maintained nothing in secrecy.

Antony observed the woman carefully while she inspected their environment. She observed him carefully because she understood his intentions which involved recognizing fear or nervousness that would indicate her fear of discovery.

He would find none.

A bellboy approached, bowing slightly. "Mr. Raymond, your villa is prepared. Ms. The staff has placed Cameloe's suite adjacent to the villa following Antony's specific requirement."

Ariana turned her eyes towards Antony with pretended interest. "Separate rooms?"

Antony's smile was sharp. " I didn't want to make you uncomfortable" 

So that was the game. The villa layout provided him with additional possibilities to watch her activities.

She met his gaze head-on. "How considerate of you."

The first night followed an elegant series of steps. The private dining hall of the resort hosted dinner events for top investors and industry leaders to mingle together. Within the dinner party Ariana delivered a complete performance by displaying both her captivating charm and her smart manners while demonstrating complete self-control.

Antony kept his eyes on her while he silently anticipated a mistake from her.

Rachel had underestimated her. Ariana showed no evidence of falling for a strategy that would hand over their demands.

The guests began moving toward the lounge for cocktails while Antony approached Ariana in a gentle manner. "Take a walk with me."

Ariana joined Antony as they walked to the moonlit garden after giving him her agreement.

The endless ocean beyond the cliffs whispered its night secrets to the waves while the waves carried them to the darkness. The unreadable expression on Antony's face appeared as he broke his silence.

"A fascinating piece of gossip reached my ears not long ago."

Ariana slightly adjusted her head while speaking with amusement in her voice. "Oh? Do tell."

His mouth moved in a smile but his stare remained totally void of amusement. "Some rumors have been going around that you have been seen with another man"

She emitted a brief sound while contemplating the seriousness of his statement. She encountered his eyes while maintaining a relaxed grin. "And do you believe them?"

He spent time looking at her as he put his hands into his pockets. "You've changed, Ariana."

Moving forward she let her perfume mingle with ocean breeze until they became one scent. "Those who experience betrayal usually transform into different individuals."

A tiny expression swept across his features before it vanished.

He didn't deny it.

He started into laughter which resonated through the air with deep purpose. "I suppose they do."

But the game wasn't over yet.

Jesse Ren stood at the private suite balcony in the resort while holding his phone casually in his hand.

He stood at a position that allowed him to observe the garden lights which illuminated Antony and Ariana.

Antony's small trap became known to Jesse's sources before Antony finished planning it. It was predictable, really.

Jesse drank from his cup while his face revealed no emotion.

During the gathering Ariana made an excellent impression on Antony yet she might discover his false pretenses before he could.

The revelation of whatever was about to happen would reveal itself very shortly.

He decided to stay concealed while observing the situation. Watching. Waiting.

Although Ariana played her part in the game well her ability to control certain things remained limited.

The list included Jesse Ren as one of its members.